Heather Latter
Although there’s still plenty of snow on the ground, it’s time to think ahead to spring as the local Community Garden Team gears up for a registration and information session this coming Monday (March 14) from 4-6 p.m. at the Sunset Country Métis Hall here.
“We’re going to be set up for registration for plots,” explained Becky Holden, acting chair of the Community Garden Team, noting there will be at least two different-sized plots available to rent.
There will be smaller-sized children’s plots (must be registered with an adult) for $5 each while the regular plots (roughly 10’x20’) will cost $15 and be distributed on a first-come, first-serve basis.
“And since the garden isn’t built yet, we’re still able to be fairly flexible, so we’ll be able to do some smaller plots, if people are interested, for obviously a lower fee,” Holden said.
“And we’re hoping to be able to offer some subsidized plots.”
Holden said about two dozen plots will be available at the community garden, which will be located along Lillie Avenue between Fifth Street and Sixth Street West.
“We’ve got a nice big space thanks to the Town of Fort Frances,” she remarked.
In addition to plot registration on Monday, the Community Garden Team also will be offering an information session on getting seeds started.
“This is just to encourage people to stop by and learn how to start some plants early for their garden,” explained Holden, noting they will have supplies on hand.
“It will get them thinking about gardening, which is nice when it’s minus-20 out,” she reasoned.
The push for a large community garden here got underway last winter and the Community Garden Team—consisting of representatives from the Northwestern Health Unit, Sunset Country Métis, United Native Friendship Centre, Rainy River District Social Services Administration Services, and local gardeners—spent the past year making plans and organizing the project.
“It’s exciting for Fort Frances to finally have a community garden ready to go because we’ve seen really successful gardens in communities around us,” said Holden.
“I think it’s wonderful that we’re that far and great that we’ll be able to have a garden this year,” echoed Vivian Callaghan, a member of the Community Garden Team.
Both Holden and Callaghan are excited about the potential benefits this garden will offer the community—from creating a social activity and educational opportunities to focusing on the “Eat Local” theme and growing healthy produce.
Callaghan is especially excited to use the garden to teach children.
“I’m hoping to get some kids involved, and have them learn a little bit about the interaction of the bees and the plants,” she remarked, saying the Community Garden Team plans to have some “common areas” where they will plant some produce in addition to flowers to attract the pollinators.
Holden, meanwhile, said the community garden not only will be beneficial to children, but also for those who do not have garden space.
“Or, if they are kind of new to gardening, it’s a great opportunity because we will have people around to help,” she enthused.
Their plan is to have someone at the community garden one night a week, for a couple of hours, to provide assistance, as well as to offer small learning workshops throughout the season.
“There will be lots of support,” Holden said, explaining they will have seed packages for gardeners and hopefully some tools available for use, as well.
“So it’s a great time to get involved.”
Holden also stressed there will be a lot of work to do on the garden once the snow melts and anybody interested in helping out certainly is welcome.
“We’d be happy to have additional hands,” she said, adding those interested can leave their names and numbers with her and she can contact them when they begin the outdoor work.
For more information about the community garden or the upcoming registration session, call Holden at 274-9827.
